Shepherd kicked off Oklahoma baseball team

NORMAN, Okla.-
Outfielder Devin Shepherd, a fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in last year's draft, was dismissed from Oklahoma's baseball team on Friday night.

Oklahoma coach Sunny Golloway announced Shepherd's dismissal in a statement before the Sooners played at Missouri.

"It became clear that the situation was not going to work for either party," Golloway said. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. At this point, we are focused on finishing the regular season in a strong way."

Shepherd, a freshman who was considered Oklahoma's star recruit, was hitting only .235 with one home run and seven RBIs. He started 34 of the 37 games he played in this season.

Shepherd came to Oklahoma from Oxnard (Calif.) Union High School, where was an all-state selection as a senior after hitting .406 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs while stealing 25 bases.

Before the season, Shepherd said he decided not to sign a professional contract because he was intrigued by college baseball. He said he thought the Sooners would win the College World Series "at least once or twice" with him on the team.

"College baseball is where it's at. It doesn't get more intense than that," Shepherd said at the team's preseason media day. "When you get to the big-league level, it's a little more laid back. Coming to this level first before going to the big-league level is something I think is a little bit better."